if you have already enjoyed a sweet, juicy strawberry this spring, it was likely grown in a warmer climate and shipped to your local grocery store. While store-bought berries offer convenience, there is something special about picking your own sun-ripened strawberries straight from the garden. The good news: Growing strawberries at home is not only rewarding but also simple, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
While wild strawberries have been enjoyed around the world since ancient times, they were first cultivated in Europe in the early 1300s. Thanks to centuries of selective breeding, today’s gardeners can enjoy the large, flavorful strawberries available throughout the year.
If you are adding strawberries to your garden, plant them between April and May. This timing gives the plants a chance to develop strong root systems and become established before hot, dry summer weather arrives. Strawberries are remarkably versatile and thrive in containers, raised beds and in-ground rows.
Careful selection of a planting site is essential for successfully growing strawberries. These plants thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, along with about 1 inch of water per week during active growth. Strawberries grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter and prefer a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0.
For the strongest plants and maximum future production, remove all flowers during the first summer. This helps direct energy into root and runner development rather than fruiting. When choosing a location, avoid areas where tomatoes, peppers, eggplants or potatoes have recently grown, as these crops can harbor verticillium wilt, a soil-borne disease that can infect strawberries.
Consider planting the following three types of strawberries in your garden.
June-bearing strawberries bloom in spring and produce a single, heavy crop of fruit over a 2- to 3-week period in June — just as their name suggests. They typically yield the largest quantity and size of berries within that brief period. Plant them 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 4 feet apart.
Day-neutral strawberries flower and fruit continuously throughout the growing season, producing a supply of berries from late spring through fall. Although the fruit is smaller than the June-bearing varieties, it is known for its excellent flavor. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
Everbearing strawberries produce two main crops, one in late spring and another in early fall. These plants usually bear smaller fruit and fewer runners, making them a great option for gardeners with limited space. Like day-neutral types, plant them 12 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
When selecting strawberry plants, opt for disease-resistant cultivars to help reduce the need for pesticides. Varieties differ in fruit size, flavor, disease resistance, cold hardiness and harvest timing. Since the three types look similar in foliage, it is important to confirm the variety by checking the labels before making a purchase.
Note that strawberry plants will not produce forever. They usually start declining in productivity after 2 to 3 years. New plantings can be added every few years to guarantee continuous production. With a bit of seasonal care, you can enjoy picking these sweet red gems every year.
